Rainbow shark(Epalzeorhynchos frenatus)

This fish has a strong temper and we notice it quickly! The Rainbow sharkminnow is as aggressive as it is beautiful. We will take some precautions so that its maintenance goes well and concerning its possible roommates. This is also the purpose of this sheet, to help you maintain properly this special fish!

What kind of behavior does the Rainbow shark have?

It is the most peaceful of the 4 species of Epalzeo, but it nevertheless remains classified in the category of aggressive and territorial fish. Lively and active, it must absolutely not cohabit with calm or shy fish. Finally, its strong temper is more a very developed sense of the territory.

When the aquarist understands its territorial rules and takes them into account, the Rainbow sharkminnow is a fish that will live its life peacefully.

Cohabitation

Who can live with the Rainbow shark?

The Rainbow shark will be a better choice for a community aquarium than the Redtailed Labeo. However, its roommates must also be carefully chosen.

Indeed, the species that resembles it are to be avoided (other Epalzeorhynchos, Crossocheilus, Balantiocheilus, Garra, Gyrinocheilus). On the other hand, it seems less belligerent towards the grouper (Botia, Syncrossus, Yasuhikotaki, Chromobotia), and only tolerates the presence of its congeners in large volumes (5/6 individuals in 800 L or 210 gal).

In a large aquarium (500 L or 130 gal), it can cohabit with large Cichlids with a strong temper, or with some very lively species such as Puntigrus tetrazona (Sumatra barbs), Etroplus or Danios.

You will understand, all your population will turn around this particular fish!

Breeding

How to breed the Rainbow shark?

Very difficult, even if the breeding of this species remains more feasible than that of Redtailed Labeo. Identical procedure: place in a spawning tank (200 L or 50 gal) composed of numerous hiding places and plant tuft, 1 male and 1 female. Temperature 24/27°C or 75/80°F and pH at 6.5/7. Install a powerful filtration that will generate a large current. The lighting will be dimmed. Spawning takes place within 24 hours. A laying may include up to 1000 eggs. The incubation lasts 36 hours. From the age of one month, add vegetable supplements to their food.

Fry food: infusoria, then nauplies of artemia and cyclops.

Its aquarium

Which aquarium for the Rainbow shark?

The Rainbow shark is not very demanding as for its decoration. However, it seems happier in an aquarium composed of fine sand, luxurious vegetation, driftwood root, some rocks of different sizes and floating plants to sift the lighting. Finally, install a moderate current.